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William Frederick Hayden Park: Green Mountain Escape

Discover breathtaking views and outdoor adventures at Green Mountain, Lakewood's expansive natural escape with hiking, biking, and stunning scenery.

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William Frederick Hayden Park, also known as Green Mountain, is a sprawling natural oasis in Lakewood, Colorado, offering stunning 360° views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. With over 2,400 acres, it's a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking an escape from the city.

A brief summary to William Frederick Hayden Park

  • Monday 5 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-10 pm
  • Friday 5 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and the best light for photos.
  • Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as some trails can be steep and rocky.
  • Be aware of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, and keep a safe distance.
  • Check the City of Lakewood's website for trail conditions and closures before you go.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from Denver, take US-6 W towards Golden. Exit onto W 6th Ave and then take the exit for S Rooney Rd. Turn left onto S Rooney Rd and continue for about half a mile. The park entrance will be on your right. Parking is free. Parking can be found at the main trailhead.

  • Public Transport

    From Denver Union Station, take the RTD Light Rail C Line to the Wadsworth Station. Transfer to the RTD Route 51 bus towards West 6th Ave & S Wadsworth Blvd. Get off at the S Rooney Rd stop, which is a 10-minute walk to the park. A single ride on RTD costs $3.

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Discover more about William Frederick Hayden Park

William Frederick Hayden Park, often called Green Mountain, is the second-largest park in Lakewood, Colorado, encompassing over 2,400 acres of open space. The park's summit, reaching 6,800 feet, provides panoramic views of the Denver metropolitan area to the east and the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west. The park's history is rooted in the Hayden family, who donated or sold the majority of the land to the city of Lakewood in 1972. Before becoming a park, the area was part of an open range where buffalo roamed. Interestingly, part of the land was also used as an artillery impact area before World War II, and visitors are advised to be aware of potential historical munitions. Today, William Frederick Hayden Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Over 20 miles of multi-use trails wind through the park, catering to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. The Green Mountain Trail, a 6.6-mile loop, is a popular choice, offering a challenging ascent to the summit and a gentler section at the base. Other trails, like the Rooney Valley Trail and the Summit Loop Trail, provide varied terrain and equally stunning scenery. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, hawks, rattlesnakes, and bluebirds. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as parking areas and restrooms, making it a convenient and comfortable place to spend time in nature. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike, a leisurely bike ride, or simply a place to soak in the beauty of Colorado, William Frederick Hayden Park offers something for everyone.

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